I have always viewed church as a place where teamplayers thrive. I grew up in a single parent home with three brothers. Amazingly enough we all made it out alive! But, that is not my point here. My mother was like a coach. She assigned each of us responsibilities. Everything from cleaning the floor to washing dishes was assigned to one of us boys. Plus, if we did our work before school we could play when school was out. Mom would come home and cook dinner/supper and then we would eat. If everything was straight, things went well. If things were not straight, things fell apart, and Mom would get things straight with us!!! As I said earlier, I have always viewed church as a place where teamplayers thrive. Consider this… what if every member of Grace Church did their part to serve the Lord and His church. Imagine, with me, the things that we could do for the Kingdom of God! If everyone took their attendance seriously, gave generously, encouraged regularly and just simply watched out for each other. What a beautiful bride we would be… serving Jesus and each other as we shared the Gospel here in Greenville. Our church would be filled to capacity, wouldn’t it? Well, I guess it’s the ole coach in me that makes me think this way. Oh yes, I came by it honestly from my Mom! But you know what? I think Jesus feels the same way about His church! The question is this: what are you going to do about it? 1 Corinthians 12:13 says, For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. I kinda like being a teamplayer… what about you?
SUNDAY SCHOOL UPDATE: Over the past few months we have been studying the Gospel of Matthew. These are tremendous studies… I learn things every week from God’s Word. The discussion this past week from Matthew 8 was very helpful and encouraging. I want to say a BIG “THANK YOU” to every teacher. Your weekly effort does not go unnoticed! Handling God’s Word is an awesome responsibility, while at the same time the benefits far outweigh the effort. “Thank you” for weekly preparing your own hearts and then being ready to assist your people as they grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ! Also, praise the Lord, our weekly attendance has been trending upward… teachers, you are making a difference! God bless you!
WEEKLY VISITORS: Grace Church members keep your eyes open for our weekly guests. You never know who might be sitting right next to you! Weekly we have people who search us out on the internet and then follow up by attending a worship service. Think about how you would feel if it were your first visit to a new church. Let the Lord use you to encourage and bless those around you whether they are members or guests. You never know what burden your neighbor might be caring… bless them in the name of Jesus! They will not forget the new friend they made on their first visit to Grace Church! Make a difference this week in the service… make a new friend and maybe change a life forever!
I am already looking forever to being with you this Sunday! Bring a friend and get ready to be blessed and built up in your faith! Romans 15:33 says, Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Serving Together is Better!
Pastor Mike and Cheryl